Hartlepool could be the setting for the coffee chain to set up a drive thru feature.

Planners have applied for permission for the development at the Tees Bay Retail Park in Brenda Road.

Proposals suggest fifteen jobs would be created by the plan.

Middlesbrough already has a drive-thru Costa Coffee close to the Riverside stadium.

A design and access statement in support of the application, by NS Architects, reads: “The client has identified the need for the development of a drive through Starbucks within the retail park in close proximity to the entrance roundabout.”

It comes as the same applicant proposed to extend the retail park.

The statement continued: “The coffee place will be accessible to pedestrians as well from two directions – one located to the east via a pedestrian crossing, linking the Starbucks to the future expansion area, and another pedestrian crossing to the south, linking it to the existing Halfords.”

Its proposed opening hours are 5.30am to 11pm seven days a week and also on bank holidays.